THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay is updating its Property Standards and Yard Maintenance By-laws, in a process the COTB states will include the creation of two new stand-alone By-laws.
The changes the COTB adds are in response to requests from the public, and will expand the hours, scope and availability of Licensing and Enforcement Officers.
“These By-laws provide minimum standards for building and yard maintenance,” said Doug Vincent, Manager – Licensing and Enforcement. “Updating these By-laws will ensure that buildings in the city are safer for tenants and residents, and that issues can be addressed quickly. The changes also better address yard maintenance issues including cleanliness and safety hazards, and ensure properties are kept in a general good state of repair.”
The Property Standards By-law regulates maintenance at residential and non-residential buildings in the city.
The Yard Maintenance By-law, which is proposed to be called the Clean and Clear Yards By-law, regulates the appearance, cleaning and clearing of property throughout the city.
The new Vacant Building By-law, created to enhance existing rules, requires vacant buildings to be registered with the city, introduces standards for securing unoccupied buildings, and creates rules to deter delinquent property owners.
These By-law changes are part of a review which started in late 2019. Some By-laws have been updated as part of this process, such as the Fireworks By-law, or enacted, like the new Shopping Cart By-law.
The public is invited to give their comments on the proposed By-law changes at an Open House on Monday, May 16 at City Hall from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Feedback on the By-law changes can also be submitted from May 16-30 on the City’s Get Involved page. Visit www.thunderbay.ca/getinvolved.
